The capital city of Louisiana adds some local flavor to the typical New Year's celebrations. As you might know, 'Baton Rouge' translates from French as 'red stick,' which explains the tradition: they don't drop the ball for the countdown, they celebrate it with the Red Stick Drop at the Red Stick Revelry.
Red Stick Revelry
The annual signature event of NYE Baton Rouge style summons party animas to Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. The festive program starts at 8 pm with live music and culminates at midnight with the traditional countdown and iconic Red Stick Drop and fireworks over the Missisippi River. The revelry is free to the public. More information comes first by the links in the External Resources below.
NYE at Galvez Plaza & Town Square
There is much more to it than just a drop at the Red Stick Revelry celebration. The day-time kids' program and the evening live entertainment with laser light show are mostly centered on the Galvez Plaza. The festivities reach culmination at midnight, when a 9-foot (2.7-meter) long LED red stick is dropped in Town Square, accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River.
Ice Skating on the River
On New Year's Day, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or go ice skating at the Raising Cane's River Center. The Ice Skating on the River usually runs from around mid-December to NYE and offers 90-minute sessions to let locals and visitors enjoy the winter fun on the Mississippi River banks. Find dates, times, and tickets by the link in the External Resources below.
NYE parties throughout Baton Rouge
There are also lots of options to celebrate New Year's Eve at the hotels and nightclubs across Baton Rouge. Check out such pop spots like Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center or L'Auberge Casino Baton Rouge. We suggest making a reservation in advance to enjoy the last night of the year in good company.
